Kia ora! I’m Rawinia, a graphic and web designer, mum of three, and resident of Wakefield for the past seven years.
Creativity has always been a huge part of my life. After finishing school in Hokitika, I pursued Visual Arts for a year in Nelson, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Design and Marketing from the University of Otago.
My design journey began in Australia, where we lived for 10 years in tropical North Queensland, Townsville. When our eldest was about to start school, we moved back to Nelson and eventually settled in Wakefield, where my husband’s whānau lives. Although Nelson was initially our plan, Wakefield quickly became home as our kids started at Wakefield School and we became part of this wonderful community.
Since moving here, I’ve been running my own business, Āke Creative Design Studio, with incredible support from local families, friends and clients I’ve met through preschool, playgroups and school. I’m grateful to this community for embracing my work.
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with many local businesses, including Styled at Home, Nelson Lakes Hops, 3Bee, Bees Brilliance, and Renaissance Hair. I’ve also taken part in community-focused projects, such as branding, print and web design for the Wakefield Community Hub, “Our Place,” the Wakefield Historic Trail, the Wakefield Community Council, Adaptive Resilience Solutions, and of course participation in all things at the Willow Bank Heritage Village, (founded by our amazing “Omi” – Christine Grieder), where I’m involved in marketing, design and even coffee making!
Since being self employed, I’ve worked on a diverse range of projects, including branding, retail design, shopfronts, vehicle graphics, signage, packaging, web design, e-commerce, lifestyle photography and illustration. Each project brings new challenges, and I find it exciting to keep expanding my skills.
In 2024, I’m focusing on enhancing my skill set further by taking a digital marketing course and learning Te Reo Māori to reconnect with my Māori heritage.
I’m grateful to have found a path that lets me be creative every day, bringing my clients’ visions to life and equipping them with the tools they need to thrive.
Rawinia can be contacted at www.akecreative.co.nz
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